Rudolph L. Melk, Sr., 78, of Ridgefield, a local architect, died on Monday, August 26, 2013 at his home.

He was the husband of fifty-nine years to Suzanne (Kisel) Melk.

Rudy was born in the Bronx, New York, June 16, 1935, a son of Louis and Cacilie (Leister) Melk. He attended P.S. 38 Rosedale, Queens, Brooklyn Technical High School and the Institute of Design and Construction. On Long Island in 1966, he established private practice, Rudolph L. Melk, A.I.A./Architect . His offices were located in Rosedale, Valley Stream, Elmont, New York and Wilton, Connecticut. He retired in 1994 from his office in Wilton, Connecticut while remaining a consultant to the profession. Licensed in twenty-two states, his major designs included apartment buildings, shopping centers, golf communities, and large office buildings for corporate and private clients.

A resident of Ridgefield since 1968 moving from Rosedale, Queens, New York, Mr. Melk, was a member of the American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architects Registration Boards, Knights of Columbus and the Rosedale Volunteer Ambulance Core. He enjoyed skiing, traveling, boating, yard work, assisting family and friends in design/construction projects. He most especially enjoyed celebrating life with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Suzanne, he is survived by a son, Rudolph L. Melk, Jr. and his wife, LisaMarie; three daughters, Lorraine Melk, Lisa Post and her husband, Charles and Leslie Stoddart and her husband, Dean; a brother, Robert Melk and his wife, Nancy; a sister, Louise Wise and her husband, Bill, twelve grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Melk was predeceased by a daughter, Lynne Melk and by a grandson, Christopher Stoddart.

Funeral services were private. Contributions in Mr. Melk’s memory may be made to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, 39 Old Ridgebury Rd., Danbury, CT 06810, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065 or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10021.